Busting Cabin Fever with Chris and Sammy
The soft light, quiet mornings, and snow covered landscapes of the winter season can often feel downright magical. For your dog, it means romping around in soft pillows of new snow, picking up fascinating smells, and exploring an enchanted world.
Winter also means more time spent inside, and for trail buddies who are accustomed to getting a lot of time outdoors, hibernating can be tough. For those winter days when cabin fever seems to be setting in, Ruffwear Ambassador Chris Hill and her dog Sammy share their tips for keeping the stoke high.
What are the tell-tale signs that Sammy is experiencing cabin fever?
There are so many. Sammy will spend hours chasing her tail, and every once in a while she will catch it. She will ring the bell to go outside — just to go out, not to actually go to the bathroom — which is what the bell is for. She will stare at me, stare out the window, and then stare back at me.
What’s the hardest part about getting outside with her?
The winter days in Alaska are really short and sunlight hours are during the work day. On weekdays, I have to make an effort to get out with Sammy at lunch.
We try to do a quick ski session or walk. I also will take small breaks to walk to the coffee shop or take a work call during a walk, just to get outside.
How do you stay motivated?
I know that after we’ve been outside, we both feel so much better, even if it’s for a quick walk. Winter can be hard, and where we live it’s cold and snowy. But it just takes a few times to get into a routine.
Anytime in the outdoors is time well spent and being able to spend it with Sammy is the best time.
What’s your go-to method for making sure you commit?
Plan out your days ahead of time to make sure you schedule outside time with your dog — and stick to those plans.
What are your favorite winter activities to do together?
When the snow is good, we love to skijor and go cross-country skiing. Greg and I recently got married and one of our wedding presents was a kicksled. We can’t wait to try that with a few of our friends’ dogs.
We still love beach walks and when it’s not too cold, we’ll go fishing. And Greg loves to go on snowy runs with Sammy in the winter.
What kind of dog winter gear do you use for Sammy on these adventures?
If it’s really cold, she loves her Powder Hound™ Jacket, and she almost always has her Flagline™ Harness on when we venture out.
During the winter, she also wears a Crag™ Collar and The Beacon™ Safety Light, just in case we are still out when it’s getting dark, and I like bringing along the Switchbak™ Leash for versatility.
When do you choose to stay indoors?
It’s ok to rest, especially during winter. Sometimes, you need a day inside by the fire, reading a book, watching a movie, and eating popcorn. Just keep in mind the frequency of those rests.
What about those days when you stay inside? What are Sammy’s favorite indoor games?
We still do a lot of treat training. Sammy is currently learning to roll over and play dead. We also play fetch inside, hide and seek, tug-of-war, and “This or That.”
“This or That” is a game where you present two items (treats, toys, etc.) and you say “this or that.” Then, Sammy picks which one she wants. Sometimes her choices surprise me. The other day she chose a blueberry over a salmon dog treat!
How does Sammy stay warm and comfortable when bundled up inside?
Sammy loves sitting by the fire on her Highlands™ Pad™ and Highlands™ Sleeping Bag. You’ll find her curled up with her favorite giant stuffed animal and some kind of antler bone. I’d say she is living her best life.
2022 Ruffwear Ambassador Chris Hill is an environmental lobbyist and the Campaign Director for the Sierra Club. She is passionate about social justice and the outdoors. A lifelong, avid adventurer, Chris lives in Alaska with her fun-loving pup, Sammy. The two enjoy river fly fishing, hiking, and camping together.
Inspired by Chris & Sammy's adventures? Follow their Instagram here.
